2004 - News, views and events
A guide to European Union decision-making
A guide to the institutions which make up the European Union and the legislative decision making process within the UnionEuro Brief 21, 1 to 15 December 2004
Includes: On-call duty should not count as work says Employment Ministers, Health Ministers clear the way for food health claims regulation, UK-Hungary “solution” to Chemicals Directive dispute gets mixed reaction, Rise in children’s cancerBMA response to the Healthcare Commission consultation document: Assessment for Improvement
In this response to the consultation document Assessment for Improvement, the BMA welcomes it as a positive starting point on the road to developing an effective balanced scorecard for healthcare performance. The BMA is happy to see the Commission’s proposals move towards clinically relevant outcome measures, which will go a long way to involving doctors.Euro Brief 20, 16-30 November 2004
Includes: EU urged to plug medicines gap, HIV numbers reach new high, EU should ensure osteoporosis plan is implemented, says group, Commission hosts first “Bologna” credit transfer system awards, EU ministers heading for clash with Commission on health servicesEuro Brief 19, 1 to 15 November 2004
Includes: Pressure piles on EC to withdraw health from 'Services' Directive, New constitutional treaty signed, Booze cruise threat to health, EU 'should focus on gender equity in health policy', UK leads the way on care in the communityEuro Brief 18, 16 to 31 October 2004
Includes: New Commission withdrawn, Commissions’ tough love for smokers, EU-UK court battle over booze cruises, Bad blood after chemicals industry slams World Wildlife Fund tacticsEuro Brief 17, 1 to 15 October 2004
Includes: Court rules on-call duty is part of 48hour working time totals, National health systems to be co-ordinated more closely, Directive on equal treatment outside the work place, Incoming Health Commissioner favours smoking bans, Industry calls for faster market access for new medicines, Ministers seek clarity over role of internal market in health, UK Department of Health advertises new EU health cardEuro Brief 16, 16 to 30 September 2004
Includes: Member States will be able to discount 'on-call duty' from European Union working time limits, No guarantees for childrens' medicines research money, The European Parliament´s Environment and Health Committee are to report on the Commission's Environment & Health Action Plan 2004-2010 (COM (2004)416), Rules for medical devices reviewedEuro Brief 15, 1 to 15 September 2004
Includes: Completing the single market should not be at the expense of health services – say Dutch, New requirements for trials of paediatric medicines, Commission launches technical consultation of tissues and cells directive, EU Ministers discuss looming healthcare crisis, Commission alerts EU to spread of HIV/AIDSEuro Brief 14, 16 to 31 July 2004
Includes:Big parties secret deals in committee carve-up, Parliament gives approval to new Commission President, Byrne Launches Reflection Process for EU Health Policy Strategy, Dutch Presidency care plan for the elderly,Euro Brief 13, 1 to 15 July 2004
Includes: Commission draws up new EU working time proposals, Everything you needed to know about the EU Constitution but were too indifferent to ask, Data issued on differences between member states on health, EPSU highlights work-related stress, New protocols to protect research patients, Experts gather to discuss better informed patients, Euro breastfeeding boost, Eight in ten Europeans want urgent healthcare reform, New President of the European CommissionEuro Brief 11, 1 to 15 June 2004
Includes: 11th hour change to health policy in EU Constitution, Fury over EU Services Directive, Council gives go-ahead for co-operation on cross-border healthcare, Experts call for European Health Policy in an enlarged EU, Study shows large health gap in some new EU states, Two out of three Europeans could be obese by 2030 says Commissioner, Health Cards Introduced to 11 States, Commission launches action plan to reduce environment-related illnessesEuro Brief 10, 16 to 31 May 2004
The brief includes: Council reprieve for medical diplomas benefiting from automatic recognition, Commission calls on Social Partners to agree on working time opt outs, “Directive would not mean creeping competition for public services”, Commission shelves plan to review Services of General Interest (SGIs)2005 LMC Conference - Calculation of representatives
Information on how the "annual census" has to be conducted in 2004 to calculate the numbers of conference representatives for the 2005 conference.British Medical Association written submission to the Public Administration Select Committee Inquiry - Choice and voice in public services, November 2004
The following submission discusses a range of questions on choice as it relates to the NHS: how it is defined; the extent to which it is predicated on a market in healthcare; the risks this poses; and the question of how choice might change the character of healthcare in England.BMA position paper on the draft EC Directive on Services
A position paper from the British Medical Association on the Draft European Community Directive on Services.Health policy in the media, week ending 20 June 2004
A summary of articles, recent research and meetings relating to health policy in the week from Monday 14th to sunday 20th June 2004Health policy in the media, week ending 15 June 2004
Health Policy Debate is a fortnightly summary that aims to capture key discussions in health policy. It draws on newly published research, reports, articles in the media, seminars and political discussion. This issue spans the two weeks 1 to 15 June 2004.Second reading of the Professional Qualifications Directive
This is a brief update on the progress of the Professional Qualifications Directive through the European Parliament. It also addresses the issues of third country qualifications and language requirements as detailed within the directive.Enabling good health for all: a reflection process for a new EU health strategy, October 2004
The British Medical Association's response to the European Commission's DG Sanco reflection paper on an EU health strategy.Health policy in the media, week ending 27 March 2004
Health Policy Debate summarises debate in these areas from newspapers and journals, think tank reports, meetings, press releases, and newly published research.Doctors prescribe smokefree workplaces for the nation’s health
At the BMA’s annual conference in Llandudno, Dr Peter Maguire signed a giant prescription form in front of 500 doctors calling on the Government to make all workplaces smokefree.European Centre for Disease Control, January 2004
BMA position statement on a European Centre for Disease Control January 2004 The BMA fully supports moves to set up the European Centre for Disease Control and sees it as an essential step towards iHealth policy debate in the week ending 13 February 2004
Health policy debate 30th January to 13th February 2004 HPERU undertakes research, economic and policy analysis in five broad areas: (1) the workforce, (2) patient choice, (3) plurality of provision,Health policy debate in the week ending 18 January 2004
HPERU undertakes research, economic and policy analysis in five broad areas: (1) the workforce, (2) patient choice, (3) plurality of provision,Annual Representative Meeting 2004 - supplementary agenda
The supplementary agenda for the 2004 Annual Representative MeetingBackground briefing on the Review Body and doctors’ pay, March 2004
Describes the BMA's view on doctors’ pay and the importance of independent review plus the DDRB terms of reference and the interests of the public purseBMA evidence on EWTD, February 2004
Inquiry into the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) - evidence from the BMA.BMA evidence on the potential impact of the GP contract on the provision of out of hours services, June 2004
BMA evidence to the House of Commons Health Select Committee's inquiry into the potential impact of the GP contract on the provision of out of hours servicesBMA response to the consultation: 'Choosing Health', July 2004
The response begins by setting out the philosophy of the BMA's approach to public health interventions, then outlines the key issues and recommends actions to improve health in these areas. The final section sets out the need for a joined-up approach across agencies and makes recommendations.BMA survey of accident and emergency waiting times, March 2005
In February 2004 the government introduced a new incentive scheme aimed at reducing waiting times in accident and emergency (A and E) departments. The BMA survey of A and E waiting times was distributed in the first week of January 2005 and received a response from 80 per cent of departments.Careers barriers in medicine: Doctors' experiences
Report reviews published research on discrimination and focuses on in-depth interviews and questionnaire responses from twenty-five doctors from minority ethnic doctors and doctors with international qualifications, doctors with disabilities, female doctors and lesbian, gay and bisexual doctors.Chairman of Council, Mr James Johnson
Speech from the Chairman of BMA Council, Mr James Johnson, at ARM 2004 - Monday 28 June.Chairman of IT Committee, Dr John Powell
Speech from the Chairman of the IT Committee, Dr John Powell, at 2004 ARM - Thursday 1 JulyChairman of Northern Ireland Council, Dr Brian Patterson
Report from the Chairman of Northern Ireland Council, Dr Brian Patterson, at 2004 ARM - Wednesday 30 June.Chairman of Private Practice Committee, Mr Derek Machin
Speech from the Chairman of the Private Practice Committe, Mr Derek Machin, at 2004 ARM - Thursday 1 JulyChairman of Professional Fees Committee, Dr Peter Holden
Speech from the Chairman of the Professional Fees Committee, Dr Peter Holden, at 2004 ARM - Thursday 1 JulyChairman of Scottish Council, Dr John Garner
Speech from the Chairman of Scottish Council, Dr John Garner, at 2004 ARM - Wednesday 30 June.Chairman of the Armed Forces Committee, Dr John Ferguson
Speech from the Chairman of the Armed Forces Committee, Dr John Ferguson, at 2004 ARM - Tuesday 29 June.Chairman of the Board of Medical Education, Dr Peter Dangerfield
Speech from the Chairman of the Board of Medical Education, Dr Peter Dangerfield, ARM 2004 - Wednesday 30 JuneChairman of the Board of Science & Education, Sir David Carter
Speech from the Chairman of the Board of Science & Education, Sir David Carter, at 2004 ARM - Tuesday 29 June.Chairman of the Central Consultants & Specialists Committee, Dr Paul Miller
Speech from the Chairman of the Central Consultants & Specialists Committee, Dr Paul Miller, at 2004 ARM - Monday 28 June.Chairman of the Committee on Community Care, Dr Andrew Dearden
Speech from the Chairman of the Committe on Community Care, Dr Andrew Dearden, at 2004 ARM - Tuesday 29 June.Chairman of the General Practitioners Committee, Dr John Chisholm
Speech from the Chairman of the General Practitioners Committee, Dr John Chisholm, at 2004 ARM - Tuesday 29 June.Chairman of the International Committee, Dr Edwin Borman
Speech from the Chairman of the International Committee, Dr Edwin Borman, at 2004 ARM - Tuesday 29 June.Chairman of the Junior Doctors Committee, Mr Simon Eccles
Speech from the Chairman of the Junior Doctors Committee, Mr Simon Eccles, at 2004 ARM - Tuesday 29 June.Chairman of the Medical Academic Staff Committee, Professor Michael Rees
Speech from the Chairman of the Medical Academic Staff Committee, Professor Michael Rees, at 2004 ARM - Tuesday 29 June.Chairman of the Medical Ethics Committee, Dr Michael Wilks
Speech from the chairman of the Ethics Committee, Dr Michael Wilks, ARM 2004 - Thursday 1 JulyChairman of the Medical Students Committee, Mr Leigh Bissett
Speech from the Chairman of the Medical Students Committee, Mr Leigh Bissett, at 2004 ARM - Monday 28 June.Chairman of the Occupational Health Committee, Dr Susan Robson
Speech from the Chairman of the Occupational Health Committee, Dr Susan Robson, ARM 2004 - Thursday 1 JulyChairman of the Pensions Committee, Dr Simon Fradd
Speech from the chairman of the Pensions Committee, Dr Simon Fradd, ARM 2004 - Thursday 1 JulyChairman of the Public Health Medicine & Community Health Committee, Dr Peter Tiplady
Speech from the Chairman of the Public Health Medicine & Community Health Committee, Dr Peter Tiplady, at 2004 ARM - Tuesday 29 June.Chairman of the Staff and Associate Specialists Committee, Mr Mohib Khan
Address by the Chairman of the Staff and Associate Specialists Committee, Mr Mohib Khan, at 2004 ARM - Tuesday 29 June.Chairman of Welsh Council, Dr Tony Calland
Speech from the Chairman of the Welsh Council, Dr Tony Calland, at 2004 ARM - Wednesday 30 June.Conference of medical academics 2004 - chairman's speech
Speech made by Prof. Michael Rees, Chairman of the Medical Academic Staff Committee (MASC) to the 2004 Conference of Medical Academic Representatives. Issues covered include the new academic contract, staff numbers and HR policies, and the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).Doctor's and Dentist's Review Body report 2004 - BMA summary of recommendations
Summarises the 2004 DDRB report's recommendationsDoctor's and Dentist's Review Body report on doctors’ pay, March 2004
Page including links to the 2004 report, the BMA's view, letters to the profession and background information.Employment rights for new parents seminar, 17 November 2004
Seminar on employment rights for new parents. It is open to all doctors working in the North and South Thames Region (specifically Greater London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex) who are planning or expecting a baby.Euro Brief 1, 1 to 15 January 2004
The brief includes Commission launches review of EU working time organisation, Irish vow not to re-open ethics of tissues and cells Directive, Irish EU presidency vows to complete health legislation, Commission stands ground on recognition of medical specialtiesEuro Brief 12, 16 to 30 June 2004
The brief includes: Heads of state reach agreement on EU Constitution against the odds, Plus ca change after European-elections, EU Summit fails to name new Commission Chief, Dutch government spell out their priorities for EU Presidency, Ministers adopt Children’s Health and Environment Strategy, Unions slam 'Bolkestein’s Monster'Euro Brief 2, 16 to 31 January 2004
The brief includes: Committee demands end to UKs’ working time opt-out, European Centre for Disease Control set for green light, MEP rejects Commission plans to put food health claims to the test, Key dates in the Irish PresidencyEuro Brief 3, 1 to 15 February 2004
The brief includes: EU Disease Centre gets go-ahead, Report calls for more competition in the health professions, MEPs want safeguards for healthcare services, EU & US “Generation of Excess”, MEPs opt for phase-out of opt-outs, MEPs support measures to protect patients in new qualifications rulesEuro Brief 4, 1 to 15 February 2004
The brief includes: Call for EU HIV Commissioner, Health Ministers Agree on Co-operation to Combat Bird ‘Flu, Education Ministers Want More Transparency in Qualifications, 2004 Call for Health Project Proposals Launched, Mobile Phone Risk ProbeEuro Brief 5, 1 to 15 March 2004
The brief includes: Drug Advertising could be back on Agenda despite “Pharma” says Commissioner, Report on Elderly Care Calls for EU Action on Waiting Lists, New EU Donor Laws Prohibits Large Pay Outs, Call for EU Outlaw of Sex Discrimination in Health Services, Anti-Smoking Tour Hits the Road, New Figures Show Doctors Migration could be East to East, EU Rheumatic Network LaunchedEuro Brief 6, 16 to 31 March 2004
The brief includes: Parliament Adopts Measures to End Sex Discrimination in Healthcare, Fortifying Junk Foods with Minerals and Vitamins could be banned, French TV Ban on Alcohol Advertising does not break EU law, France Slammed for Curbs on Foreign-Based Medical Labs, Residence Rights for EU Citizens, MEPs Fine-Tune Cross-Border Patients’ Social Security Benefits, Health First EuropeEuro Brief 7, 1 to 16 April 2004
The brief includes: Health Workers "will continue to have their qualifications checked", Health and Environment Action Plan Fleshed-Out by Parliament, Doctors should be removed from new Services Directive says MEP, MEPs Fail to Reach Deal on EU Food Health Claims Directive, New Employment Commissioner will Focus on Working Time Rules, Member States Agree to New Disease Centre in Record SpeedEuro Brief 8, 16 to 30 April 2004
The brief includes: EU-wide public smoking ban "unlikely to happen", Commission issues blueprint for cross-border healthcare, Council sets timetable for IGC talks on the EU Constitution, Commission puts final touches to tissues engineering legislation, Business spells out problems in EU professional services market, European Parliament ratifies tobacco control treatyEuro Brief 9, 1 to 15 May 2004
The brief includes: Constitution talks increase EU health powers, European parliament prepares for big changes, Commission sets out e-health action plan, Ministers vow to tackle heart disease and alcohol abuse, Ministers finally reach agreement on asylum seekersGP pay award will hinder recruitment, says GPC leader
Press release giving GPC's response to the 2004 Doctors and Dentists Review Body reportHealth is our business
Euro-elections 2004: BMA ManifestoHealth policy in the media, week ending 9 January 2004
Health policy debate in the week ending 9 January 2004 HPERU undertakes research, economic and policy analysis in five broad areas: (1) the workforce, (2) patient choice, (3) plurality of provision,Hospital doctors - the European working time directive
The implications of the European working time directive on the work patterns of hospital doctorsLetter to Medical Staff Committees, 21 April 2004
Letter to medical staff committees regarding the Hospital Senior Doctors conference 2004Monday 28 June 2004
Annual Representative Meeting 2004 - Stories from the meeting on Monday 28 JunePress release - Doctors' pay rises are inadequate, says BMA
Press release giving an initial response to the 2004 report from the Doctors and Dentists Review Body (DDRB).Staff and Associate Specialists Committee elect new deputy chairman, 22 September 2004
Mr Awani Choudhary has been elected chair of the Staff and Associate Specialists Committee (SASC) negotiating subcommitteeTreasurer's Report to ARM 2004, Dr David Pickersgill
Report from the Treasurer, Dr David Pickersgill, at 2004 ARM - Monday 28 June.Tuesday 29 June 2004
Annual Representative Meeting 2004 - Stories from the meeting on Tuesday 29 JuneWednesday 30 June 2004
Annual Representative Meeting 2004 - Stories from the meeting on Wednesday 30 June